COLUMBIA
– The South Carolina Highway Patrol named Trooper First Class Jeremy M. Pickens
the Troop Three Trooper of the Year at a March 15 ceremony. Troop Three includes
Anderson, Greenville, Pickens,
Spartanburg and Oconee
counties.

TFC Pickens has been with the Highway Patrol since 2010 and
has been assigned to Troop 3, AndersonCounty,
since graduating. Prior to joining the Highway Patrol he was employed by the
Anderson City Police Department from December 2007 – February 2010 in addition
to the Medshore Ambulance Service from 2005 – present.

“TFC Pickens has done an outstanding job throughout his
career as a state trooper, paying attention to detail and making solid cases,”
said Col. Mike Oliver, Highway Patrol commander.“He couples strong enforcement skills with compassion for those he
serves.”

On November 10, 2011, TFC Pickens responded to a call
regarding a possible drunk driver. After arresting the intoxicated driver, he
noticed a small child in the backseat of the driver’s vehicle with a black eye
and badly swollen face.

Upon investigation, it was determined that the child had
been abused with serious injuries including a broken neck. If not for TFC
Pickens’ care and compassion as well as his dedication to duty, this child could
have possibly been put back into a dangerous situation.

TFC Pickens is a native of Anderson, SC.
He was awarded the Supervisor’s Award for the Fourth Quarter in Troop 3 for
2011; Troop 3 Mark Coates Award Winner for 2011; and Troop 3 Trooper of the Year
for 2011.

He and his wife, Erin, are the parents of one daughter,
Mackenzie. They are members of
ParkwoodBaptistChurch
and reside in Anderson.